Chat with Matt Williamson

Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson will stop by to chat some NFL.

Williamson has been scouting football players at different levels for six years. Before joining ESPN and Scouts Inc. in 2005, he was both an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns. Before that, he spent three seasons as assistant recruiting coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh and followed J.D. Brookhart from Pitt to the University of Akron, where Williamson was the director of football operations.

Matt Williamson

(12:02 PM)

joey (baltimore)

Ray or LT for the greatest lb of all time?

Matt Williamson

(12:03 PM)

Wow. Going with LT. Butkus? Ham? They are right there too. But give me LT. Seems to me that he just changed the position so much and was just so incredibly disruptive no matter what the opponent tried to do to stop him.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Colorado CB Jimmy Smith appears to be slipping. Assuming that he lasts until pick 31 do you think the Steelers let him keep sliding?

Matt Williamson

(12:05 PM)

He is only slipping because of character issues-and PGH isn't the type of team to stop such a slide. Of course he would fill a huge need and maybe a very stable locker toom would keep such a guy in check, but I doubt they pull the trigger on Smith. And I actually think he will be gone.

Chris (NY)

Matt, Do you see any scenario where Oakland moves up into the 1st round while still holding the 48th pick in the 2nd round. Use the 1st round pick on a OL (Pouncey) and the 48th on Colin Kaepernick ??

Matt Williamson

(12:06 PM)

What does Oakland have to offer to make such a deal possible? Not following. Could trade the 2012 1st (&#x26; something else), but I am not buying it.

Dan (MA)

Hey Matt, Miami is spending a ton of time with Ryan Mallet and his TE DJ Williams as of late. Just due diligence or does this seem curious?

Matt Williamson

(12:07 PM)

I would think there is genuine interest. Williams would be an excellent complement to Fasano-very different skill sets. Mallet makes sense too. Not in Round 1 (for my liking), but they don't stress having a super mobile guy behind center. And Mallet can sling it.

vk (dc)

thoughts on the Skins drafting julio jones?

Matt Williamson

(12:08 PM)

No problem at all with that. I see Wash as a teams with WAY too many needs to fill in one draft-and WR is as big of a need as any. And Jones presents value at #10.

dc (dc)

why would the skins even bother bringing Mark Ingram in for a visit? He's a good player, but there is basically 0% chance that Shanny goes RB in round 1.

Matt Williamson

(12:09 PM)

Agreed. That happens a ton this time of year. I actually feel bad for those prospects being shipped all over the country. They have to put on a smiley face. But we all know that the team isn't going to select that guy.

Tom (MN) [via mobile]

Better 2006 LB draft pick A.J. Hawk or Chad Greenway?

Matt Williamson

(12:10 PM)

Greenway is a far superior player than Hawk.

Tom B. (Foxboro)

Matty Ice, if you answer one of my questions, I may cry but only because it will be the greatest moment of my life.

Matt Williamson

(12:10 PM)

Oh Dear

Kenny Z (Gypsy)

Rank the coolest experience: Hanging with Jim Morrison laying down "When the Music's Over", hanging with Chuck Noll in the War Room for hte '74 draft or with Mario the night the Cup ended up at the bottom of his pool

Matt Williamson

(12:10 PM)

Oh Dear again. Now that is a difficult one! Mr. Mojo Risin is my guy. But Mario is REALLY my guy. 66.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Do you see a 3rd QB being drafted in the first round, and who?

Matt Williamson

(12:11 PM)

I keep saying Ponder to Minny or Seattle. Perfect WCO QB and very NFL ready-which is extra important considering the labor situation.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

So where does Jimmy Smith end up in your estimation? I've heard comparisons to Darelle Revis as far as talent.

Matt Williamson

(12:12 PM)

He is extremely talented. Revis is extremely talented too of course, but Revis' natural gifts are not his greatest asset. His intelligence, knowledge of the game and work ethic trump his physical gifts. That isn't the case at all with Smith. Philly?

Dan (DC)

Matt Williamson

(12:13 PM)

Yes. Not a Brady-type QB. And the Pats are in win-now mode. Won't use a high pick on a QB.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Is Mark Ingram going to be drafted in the 1st, or will any RB for that matter?

Matt Williamson

(12:14 PM)

Not sure who will do it, but I do think Ingram is a first rounder. But he is the only RB. Doubt it is Miami-at least not at #15. Maybe the Pats' 2nd first rounder. Maybe the Giants. Indy? Addai is a free agent. Or maybe a team at the beginning of Round 2 moves up and nab him.

Ben (Fairfield, CT)

Can't answer my question about the Jets?

Matt Williamson

(12:15 PM)

"But First, You are going to have to ask me nicely." Col. Gessup

Josh Curtis (Idaho Falls)

Browns fan here that realizes we need a big improvement in the free safety spot to pair with TJ Ward. Does Patrick Peterson have the skill set to play there? Could Sheldon Brown move over?

Matt Williamson

(12:16 PM)

Both could probably do it, but I think it would be foolish to start Peterson out at FS. If you have a CB with his amazing skill, you need to see if he can in fact be a great CB. FS would be a fall back plan.

curt (trappe md)

A off lineman or def back for the Ravens championship run?

Matt Williamson

(12:17 PM)

J Smith could be a Birdie. Plenty of OTs to pick from as well probably. I will go with Smith or Harris at CB.

Which One's (Pink?)

I'll need some information on the Packers' first round plans first. Just the basic facts. Can you tell me who they pick?

Matt Williamson

(12:18 PM)

"Oh By The Way...Which One's Pink?"-Tremendous. As you probably know, the Pack is stacked. Their needs are not massive, but I think they go OLB to pair with Matthews ideally. If not, another OT to groom.

Matt Williamson

(12:18 PM)

Speaking of Mr. Mojo Risin, When the Music's Over just popped up on the iPod. From those new live albums. Pretty pumped.

Matt Williamson

(12:19 PM)

And-oh yeah-I can't believe it took me this long, but: GO PENS

Chris (NY)

Besides Bowers, do you see any other draft prospect taking a major fall down the board?

Matt Williamson

(12:19 PM)

No one really comes to mind. Would Fairley to Tenn at #8 qualify?

Rob (Burbank)

With all of this information regarding the health of Bower's where do you believe he will fall? Do you also see his falling a benefit for a team drafter later to recieve this quality of pick so much later than where he would normally be selected?

Matt Williamson

(12:21 PM)

Hard to comment: Not a doctor. IF the injury is something that they think will REALLY shorten his career, he will fall-and fall hard. If it will just take some time to heal and he could be back to normal, I can't see him really getting back Minny or Jax or esp TBay. But, what the doctors are saying will be revealed to us with how far he falls. Plenty of teams could use a Bowers at close to 100%.

Chris (NY)

Do you think the Eagles will look for a true Welker-esque slot receiver in the draft? I feel like the offense depended too much on the big play as opposed to methodically being able to move the chains when the big play gets shut down.

Matt Williamson

(12:22 PM)

They obviously have a ton of options to get the football to, but that isn't a bad call by you Chris. And there are plenty to be had in the Round 3 area.

Joey (OK)

Matt, a lot of folks are saying the Packers need to draft a LB opposite Matthews, and claiming it is their biggest need. I just don't see it. If they lose Cullen Jenkins, which seems likely, DL is the much bigger need. What 3-4 DE should be there at the end of round 1 for the Packers to take? Thanks.

Matt Williamson

(12:23 PM)

I am one of them. I do think OLB is the biggest need. I like the kid they drafted last year. And GBay also plays a ton of 2-4-5 even on early downs with Raji and Pickett as the DL. Not saying it would be a bad idea and Heyward would be hard to pass on, but I would go OLB if everything was equal. Pass Rush! And remember, teams are OFTEN going to have to throw to keep up with Rodgers-much like how Indy structured their team.

marky mark (la)

Is it just me, or does everyone realize there is a 95% chance Cam Newton stinks in the NFL, but folks are considering him top 5-10 because they don't want to pass on the very slight chance he becomes a superstar?

Matt Williamson

(12:24 PM)

That might be a smidge extreme. But I tend to side with you a little...

Josh (Washington, DC)

Wilkerson is rising up draft boards these days. Is he a good pick for the Chargers at #18?

Matt Williamson

(12:25 PM)

I think that is too early. Would MUCH rather have Watt or Jordan, but they could be gone for sure. I wouldn't kill SD for the pick, but I think Wilkerson will take a lot of time to truly become a 3-4 DE.

Matt Williamson

(12:25 PM)

"What have they done to the Earth? What have they done to our Fair Sister?"

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Biggest risk among 1st round prospects NOT named Cam?

Matt Williamson

(12:26 PM)

His teammate, Nick

Jeff (Nashville)

Could you see the Packers moving up in the draft? They did it with Matthews in '09 and Burnett in '10. They have a lot of picks and not a lot of needs...

Matt Williamson

(12:26 PM)

That seems possible. Not positive right now who their target would be-could be many guys. But I can see it. Long Shot at #32 for GBAY: Ingram

KingKev (TX)

Matt, nearly every mock draft I read has Cleveland taking a WR at #6. Not only does Holmgren hate taking WRs in round 1 (let along top 10), but they have bigger needs on the DEF side of the ball. Add in the fact that a previous draft had Michael Crabtree was supposed to be the hands down best WR of his draft, but has turned out to be maybe the 3rd or 4th best in reality. All that said, I simply dont see the Browns taking a WR at 6. What do you think?

Matt Williamson

(12:28 PM)

I don't disagree with you, but many have Green as the #1 player overall on their board. To get a guy like that at #6 is awfully sweet. I would take Green over most of the DL for Clev-then you are done at WR and with the skill positions all together. There will be DL depth in round 2 and 3. And while there will be WR depth as well, Clev needs a true #1 WR and not just another decent contributor.

Chris (NY)

Where do you think Adrian Clayborn will end up? I understand that he may only be able to play one end, but he seems to have a tremendous work ethic to overcome his limitation on his arm.

Matt Williamson

(12:30 PM)

Mentioned this before, that medical issue REALLY worries me. EVERY OT he faces will know that his right arm cannot extend as far as it should. These OTs are smart-and oh by the way, super strong, huge and exceptional technicians. Work ethic is wonderful, but having a starting RDE with a big weakness like that is sure to get exposed at the next level.

Eric (Paris)

Justin Houston a fit to the Bucs? He's a 3-4 olb, right?

Matt Williamson

(12:31 PM)

Mixed thoughts on him. I see him much better suited to play 4-3 DE, which is what Tampa would need him for. But also so inconsistent. I would hope they could do better at #20.

Aaron (Charlotte)

What round do you think Ryan Williams gets drafted and by which team?

Matt Williamson

(12:31 PM)

Middle of Round 2. No idea on what team. But that is where he belongs. He could be a great one.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Steelers obviously have some need at DB. How many can you realistically draft (assuming that there are DBs of value there) and not be throwing picks away?

Matt Williamson

(12:32 PM)

Would expect a Quality over Quantity approach. They have bodies and use mid round picks on CBs in every draft. They need starter types.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

MW, if you were doing a mock draft and you were drafting each pick as if you were the GM of that team &#x26; your job was on the line (vs mocking who you think the team would select), where would you pick Newton or Gabbart? For me it would be no earlier than Tennesse, but I wouldnt let them fall past Wash

Matt Williamson

(12:32 PM)

I would take Gabbert at #1. But Newton much later than where Tenn picks.

Bill Parcells (South Beach)

Why do i get the idea Matt Ryan is closer to being a finished product than Joe Flacco is but Flacco has a higher ceiling?

Matt Williamson

(12:33 PM)

Very well said. Ryan isn't anywhere close to Flacco in terms of physical ability. But he is well ahead of Flacco with everything else right now.

Jake (NYC)

Dream on, curt (trappe md), Ray-ray will get no more rings..........most overrated lb ever.......what would he do without the big thugs in front of him............LT ran over OL while Ray Ray needs his bodyguards to do the dirty work for him to rack up his already bloated stats

Matt Williamson

(12:33 PM)

Figured I had to post this one...

Zack (CT)

If Cincy got Gabbert in the 1st and Ingram in the 2nd, how great would that be as a step in a new direction?

Matt Williamson

(12:34 PM)

I like it-a lot. Very young at TE and WR now. Could all grow together. Let Benson go and use that $$$ on a D free agent.

Buck Showalter (MD)

Better value at #10: Julio Jones or Quinn.

Matt Williamson

(12:35 PM)

I think Quinn is the better prospect. REALLY like this kid. Wouldn't surprise me if he ends up being the best player in the entire draft a few years from now. Also doubt he gets to #10.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Does Baylor Guard Danny Watkins age push him out of round 1?

Matt Williamson

(12:36 PM)

No. I think he is screaming to be a Patriot, Steeler or even a Packer. And those teams know what they are doing.

BSB (Angry, angry Philly)

Orlando Franklin, 2nd round to the Eagles? Or am I smokin' something to believe that.

Matt Williamson

(12:37 PM)

I can buy that. Big physical guy. McShay was saying yesterday that Franklin can be questionable in dealing with coaching, but Philly is a pretty stable group. Looks like a pure RT type who could maybe move into OG if need be. Don't want him at LT.

ryan (maryland)

Matt Is ben villanova a better prospect than vlad duccase we need a guard for jets tired of small school guys how about Clint boiling?

Matt Williamson

(12:38 PM)

Ben goes to school at Villanova. That isn't his last name. And I do think he is a better prospect than Ducasse-and more of a OT than Ducasse. Boling would be a nice addition. Some real good value for the Jets at OG in Round 2 and 3.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

MW, as a Cards fan, my draft day disaster would consist of Gabbart, PP7, and Von Miller all be selected in the top 4. If this happens, I think Arizona will be desperate to move down, but if they can't who do you think they pick?

Matt Williamson

(12:39 PM)

Doubt it falls that way, but I hear ya. I think I would take Quinn.

Mike (Brooklyn)

MW, the guy I want on NYG is Corey Liuget - tired of seeing Castonzo to NYG because he's a BC guy like Coughlin. Will Corey be there at 19? Also, Rangers over Caps in 7.

Matt Williamson

(12:40 PM)

I think NYG jumps all over Liuget if he is there at 19. I said that on yesterday's podcast actually-and hadn't considered that fit before that. I don't like Costanzo there either-needs to get stronger. Too far away. Pouncey? I like that. I doubt Liuget gets past STL.

Pink (Seattle)

I am calling it now. The Titans will shock everyone and take Jake Locker #8 overall. He is everything VY was physically, but a real leader. He was the concensus #1 overall pick last year, and with the rookie wage scale he will cost less overall compared to previous years. They will build on Locker, CJ, Britt, Cook, and that good O-line for years to come.

Matt Williamson

(12:41 PM)

Stranger things have happened and I very much think there are some teams out there who are in love with Locker. I get it. Side Note: That OL is far from great, esp on the interior.

Craig (Braintree MA)

Why is Dalton considered no better than a second round pick with his accuracy numbers?

Matt Williamson

(12:42 PM)

Can't make all the throws. Pure West Coast guy. Short ceiling.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Is there a team early in the draft that can upset the apple cart depending upon who they pick? Buffalo perhaps?

Matt Williamson

(12:42 PM)

Maybe. I think Buff would kill for Dareus, but will "settle" for V Miller. The wild card for them could be Newton, but I doubt that would really rock the whole apple cart so to speak.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Best guess as to 1st 5 picks in order?

Matt Williamson

(12:43 PM)

Gabbert, Dareus, Miller, Newton, Quinn

Ed (Boston)

"Ben Villanova" - gotta love Jets fans

Matt Williamson

(12:44 PM)

Nice, huh? Had to post it. Sincerly, Cam Auburn and Patrick LSU.

Craig (Braintree MA)

How many elite players are there this year? How many blue chip ones (which includes elite)?

Matt Williamson

(12:45 PM)

I would say that Peterson and Green are Elite and Gabbert, Dareus, Quinn and Miller are true Blue Chippers. But I am being pretty stringent on that distinction.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Do teams bring in prospects to scout them as future opponents knowing that they won't draft them (e.g., Locker visiting NE)?

Matt Williamson

(12:47 PM)

Sorta. I do feel is fantastic to know as much as possible about EVERY prospects. Some day all these guys who are about to get drafted will become free agents. And then the front offices will go back as far as their reports of when the player came out of college when evaluating him. And of course, if you have a big weakness on a guy, you will try to exploit that on game day as you mentioned. Good call.

Jerry (Texas)

Do you see Newton having a Brady Quinn, Aaron Rodgers, Clausen type fall in the draft, sliding to the late teens, early 20s?

Matt Williamson

(12:47 PM)

Nope. FAR too many QB needy teams and it is just too frightening to go into the unknown free agency without a QB.

Craig (Braintree MA)

It's pretty funny how the "experts" rate teams drafts based on value. Isn't it more important to get players that are successful for your system?

Matt Williamson

(12:48 PM)

No question about it

Jerry Jones (Dallas)

Matt please tell me what i should do with the 9th pick i always seem to screw things up?

Matt Williamson

(12:49 PM)

I really like where Dallas sits. Should have their pick of T Smith, C Jordan, JJ Watt, or Prince. So, I would suggest trading down a few spots, pick up another pick and see who falls. Maybe even Carimi.

Chet (LA)

I agree on the Mark Ingram to Green Bay if he's available. That offense with a guy like Ingram would be scary. They don't know if Ryan Grant will be the same, and James Starks would be better suited as a change of pace guy.

Matt Williamson

(12:49 PM)

Agreed. I think WAY too many people are WAY too high on Starks. One really good game.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Matt Williamson

(12:50 PM)

Craig (Braintree MA)

The Vikings have stated their desire to get a 3rd round pick. Are they in a position where teams will want to trade up to give them a third?

Matt Williamson

(12:51 PM)

Hmm...who would be the target? Maybe a QB like Locker? Maybe Bowers? T Smith if he falls? I would think most likely it would be for a 5T like Watt or Jordan.

Jerry (Texas)

Do the 49ers shock the world and take Newton at 7, if Peterson and Quinn are gone?

Matt Williamson

(12:51 PM)

No. Not West Coastish enough.

Jamie (Baltimore)

In the first 4 rounds, what positions do the Eagles adress?

Matt Williamson

(12:53 PM)

CB must be priority #1. OL (RT) help would be second. If they get that done early, I would expect them to sit back and take best guys available. OLB would be nice. More DL depth is always a wonderful thing. Maybe a slot WR like we talked about. Backup for McCoy too.

Anthony (NYC)

M-Dub it's been predicted that Rahim Moore is the top safety &#x26; could be drafted by the Jets, but instead could they be interested in Aaron Williams as a safety if he's willing to convert from cb?

Matt Williamson

(12:54 PM)

For sure. Converts are tough though-esp for teams that want to win now and are not rebuilding...like the Jets. And Moore isn't worth that late 1st rounder. Bet they go DL or OLB.

Bill (DC)

Where do you think Alex Henry will end up he looks like a beast of a kicker coming out of Nebraska?

Matt Williamson

(12:54 PM)

No clue. There is actually quite a kicker shortage in the NFL right now. Plenty of teams could be interested. 6th round?

Jackson (Hillsboro, Oregon)

Should the Chargers trade up for J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan? Or should they stay at 18 and take Gabe Carimi? If they take Carimi, who are some of the 5-technique defensive ends you think will drop to the second round for San Diego?Thanks for your efforts, Matt!

Matt Williamson

(12:56 PM)

DL yesterday's podcast-good discussion on this. They will get one of those guys and all would be a nice addition, but I am with you the more and more I think about it. Landing one of those 2 5Ts would really be a nice get and SD has some extra picks to use for leverage.

Fiona (Miami)

Where are your top 2-3 landing spots for Sidney Rice? I say NE, Baltimore, or Chicago.

Matt Williamson

(12:57 PM)

NEng and Balt make more sense to me than Chicago. The Bears could use another WR, but Rice isn't a Martz-type of route runner. Need explosive short striders. I love Rice though. STL? Wash would prob spend for him.

Larry (Pasco, WA)

Col. Gessup, if it?s not too much trouble, could you answer my question???sir. If the JJ Watt or C Jordon are gone at 18, can you see the Chargers taking A Smith or trading down?

Matt Williamson

(12:58 PM)

Doubt Smith is there either. Those 3 would be home runs for SD. Carimi is prob a safe fall back plan. Or Wilkerson, who I don't love. But I hear ya on moving backwards a few picks if that is the case.

Chris (Jax)

I realize the draft gurus really have no idea how things will fall but why do so many mocks not have the Jags even picking a QB when that is one of their biggest needs?

Matt Williamson

(12:59 PM)

I never see it. But Ponder or Locker there would not surprise me one bit. Needs to happen soon.

Matt Williamson

(1:00 PM)

Folks, I am out. Great chat today. Check out the Football Podcast. Stop back next week. Take care.